The week ahead brings a delightful mix of music to Central New York. From country to classical, these are events you will not want to miss.

Hiroya Tsukamoto

Hiroya Tsukamoto is a singer, songwriter, composer, and guitarist from Kyoto, Japan. At the age of 13, Tsukamoto learned to play the banjo, and shortly thereafter started playing the guitar. Hiroya Tsukamoto was awarded a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in 2000, where he was able to hone in on his natural talents. A gifted and ambitious musician, Tsukamoto has created multiple projects, both with fellow musicians and as a solo artist, to share his music with audiences across the world. On Sunday, Jan. 13, guests will be able to participate in a workshop to learn the techniques of fingerstyle guitar through Tsukamoto's own compositions.

As part of the Casual Concert Series, Syracuse Symphoria will explore the fascinating world of baroque music through two inventive and inspiring pieces -- Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and Bach's "Brandenburg Concerto No. 4." The program will also include a recent work, "Little Moonhead," by Melinda Wagner. "Little Moonhead" uses inspiration from "Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 4" to create a lighthearted and delightful listening experience.

How much: Tickets are $32 for adults; $25 for seniors; $5 for students; and free for individuals 18 and under. Details here.

Why?

A band hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Why? does not see itself as fitting into any one genre box. Instead, their blend of psyche, pop, folk, indie, and moody guitar riffs and lyricism culminates in a genre defying experience. Joining Why? is indie singer-songwriter Tomberlin.

Draped in rhythms and blues, creates music that speaks to his experiences as an addict. Born Neal Francis O'Hara, he started his career as a piano prodigy, touring Europe with the son of Muddy Waters and playing with other blues artists across the United States. After years of addiction to drugs and alcohol, Francis, now sober, reflects upon his experiences with music that is raw and inspiring. Although Francis' style soul infused rhythm and blues is unique, it harkens back to artists such as Allen Toussaint and Billy Preston. Neal Francis has recently finished recording tracks for a soon to be released album. Opening for Neal Francis will be Syracuse's own folk-rock band, Slow Train.

Debuting in 1970 with floor-length hair, and a country-pop sound, Crystal Gayle released "I've Cried (The Blues out of my Eyes)," an instant Top 40 hit. Similar in style to her sister, Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle has dazzled audiences for decades. Crystal Gayle has had remarkable career, one that has seen numerous number one hits, for both country and pop, considerable critical acclaim, and international air time. Later in her career, Gayle, aside from producing music, also opened a fine jewelry shop in Nashville.